A Genetic Algorithm for Planning WAMS with a Heterogeneous Communication Network


H. A. Tokel, G. Alirezaei, R. Mathar,


        The optimal deployment of phasor measurement units (PMUs) and the required communication network topology remains still an open problem. The experiences in PMU deployments so far show that not only the hardware costs but also the cost of the communication network deployment and commissioning is a major driving cost factor. In this work, we, first, present an optimization model which enables the comprehensive integrated planning of a wide-area measurement system, including the optimal locations of measurement units, the optimal locations of phasor data concentrators, and the required optimal communication network topology with possibly multiple communication technologies in a joint optimization framework. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm is presented, which utilizes problem-specific genetic operators and has optimally solved problems with up to 5,000 binary optimization variables and 85,000 constraints. The proposed algorithm provides a basis for further development for finding near-optimal or optimal solutions for very large problem instances. The contribution in this work enables operators of distribution and transmission systems to analyze offers from several telecommunication providers for having a better understanding of possible deployment strategies.


genetic algorithms;phasor measurement;telecommunication network topology;genetic algorithm;heterogeneous communication network;optimal deployment;phasor measurement units;required communication network topology;PMU deployments;hardware costs;communication network deployment;commissioning;driving cost factor;optimization model;comprehensive integrated planning;wide-area measurement system;optimal locations;phasor data concentrators;required optimal communication network topology;joint optimization framework;problem-specific genetic operators;near-optimal solutions;possible deployment strategies;multiple communication technologies;WAMS planning;binary optimization variables;Phasor measurement units;Power systems;Communication networks;Optimization;Voltage measurement;Planning

BibTEX Reference Entry 

	author = {Halil Alper Tokel and Gholamreza Alirezaei and Rudolf Mathar},
	title = "A Genetic Algorithm for Planning WAMS with a Heterogeneous Communication Network",
	pages = "1-6",
	booktitle = "2018 3rd International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Technologies (SpliTech)",
	month = Jun,
	year = 2018,
	hsb = RWTH-2018-230620,


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